Educational Support Assistant PDA @ SCQF Level 6

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Introduction

If you wish to work or are currently working as an education support assistant (sometimes known as a classroom assistant, support for learning assistant or pupil support assistant (PSA) - this covers all these roles) this course is designed for you. Education support assistants are generally employed in schools to support the work of class teachers in learning activities. Support assistants are often involved in supporting and supervising tasks set by teachers to individuals and groups of students. The variety of educational establishments support assistants work range from primary schools, to secondary schools, further education colleges and in the private childcare sector.

This course is perfect for any person over the age of 16 years who wishes to return to education, or who is currently volunteering in school, or is currently working in a school/educational setting and wishes to undertake a professional development qualification, or is a student progressing on from our Playwork and Childcare @ SCQF level 5 course or equivalent.

Course code

PESA

Location:

Both Campus Sites

Duration

Attendance: This is a full-time short course which will be delivered over 12 weeks. It will be delivered flexibly in a blended mixture; online classes with potential to meet for workshops and seminars on occasions. (Subject to change)

Entry Requirements

5 National 5 qualifications at Grade C or above. One of which must be English and one of which must be numeracy or equivalent. OR
Successful completion of a National 5 course such as the NPA Playwork and Childcare or equivalent.
You must be 16 years or over at the start of the course
PVG eligibility is required to enable participation in a work placement.

Applications are encouraged from mature students who do not possess formal qualifications but have appropriate understanding and skills to meet the academic demands of the course.

We also welcome applications from you if you have undertaken a PEEP course and followed on with a course on the Role of the Learning Assistant.

Information and Interview Session Requirements

Your attendance at an interview session is essential. Your interview process will contain the following:

Evidence of your qualifications, employment experience, interest in the sector demonstrated in your personal statement.
Written task/Or discussion on a relevant topic
Interview /discussion with a member(s) of staff.
Demonstration of your ability to work at SCQF level 6
PVG eligibility

Course Content

This course combines theory with practice in a work experience placement within a school or an appropriate educational setting. You will gain an understanding of the key responsibilities you need to assist children and young people with additional support needs, classroom organisation and administrative tasks. Some topics you will learn about include:

Supporting the development of children from birth to 18 years
Professional Practice in an Educational Setting
Supporting the behaviour of children and young people
Supporting children and young people who require additional support for learning.

You will undertake a work placement in an appropriate educational establishment to enable you obtain direct experience to enable you to link theory to practice.

Assessments

All components of the programme are assessed. A variety of assessment approaches are used, for example, portfolios of evidence of outcomes attained, written reports, oral presentations, project assignments etc.

Progression

HNC Childhood Practice @ SCQF Level 7
HNC Social Services @SCQF Level 7

Other progression pathways to higher vocational qualifications will be available through completion of relevant SVQ 3 awards, such as Children and Young People. This pathway may be available if you are already in employment as a learning support assistant.

Career Prospects

On completion you can apply for registration as an SSSC professional and go on to employment at Support Worker Level

Additional funding information

Additional Funding Information: This course is part-time study and therefore does not qualify for normal funding or bursary payments.

Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for a fee waiver.

For course costs please contact daviesy@dumgal.ac.uk

Selling Points

Gaining this qualification enables you to register with the SSSC once in employment at support worker level.
Successful completion enables progression pathways to a range of HNC qualifications
Suitable for those already working in the sector to gain a professional development qualification
Suitable for individuals wishing to return to or continue their education on a part time basis.